Edson Álvarez was Mexico’s CONCACAF Gold Cup-winning hero as his goal secured a 2-1 victory over the United States in the final on Sunday evening.
The West Ham United and Mexico national team captain stooped to head the ball past American goalkeeper Matt Freese with 13 minutes to play at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review showed Álvarez had timed his dive to perfection, sparking wild celebrations from the midfielder, his teammates and the many thousands of Mexico supporters in the crowd.
The 27-year-old’s goal secured a record tenth Gold Cup triumph for his country, and a third for the Hammers star, who was part of the Mexico squads which won the continental championship for national teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean in 2019 and 2023.
A delighted Álvarez said: “In the end, our desire was to win it, to make all the effort we put in worthwhile. We're very happy, but, well, we're keeping our feet on the ground. There's a lot to improve, a lot to work on."
The United States took the lead inside four minutes when Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards met a free-kick with a superb header that bounced in off the underside of the crossbar.
Mexico rallied and levelled on 27 minutes through another Premier League-based player in Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez’s powerful left-foot shot.
Both teams had opportunities either side of half-time and it was Álvarez who took one, diving to head Johan Vásquez’s flick-on into the net from six yards.
Álvarez, who has now scored seven goals in 92 appearances for Mexico, was named Player of the Tournament after leading his country to glory.
The Tlalnepantla-born player has now captained Mexico to two titles in 2025, having won the CONCACAF Nations League in March, when El Tri defeated Panama in the final.
He became the second West Ham player to win the Gold Cup and Player of the Tournament award, after Canada goalkeeper Craig Forrest did so in 2000. United States defender Jonathan Spector (2007) and Mexico winger Pablo Barrera (2011) also won the Gold Cup while on West Ham's books.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Edson on leading his country to Gold Cup glory!
